How to Connect with Your Dog…and What They Can Teach You
August 8th, 2010 by LittlestMusher | Posted in Your Dog is Your Coach
Tags: Be the Lead Dog, dogs as teachers, life lessons from the dogs, urban mushing
Just came across this quote, which pretty much sums it up:
“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.”
– Edward Hoagland
Thus, the point of using the dogs as teachers is certainly to strengthen that bond we have with the dogs in our lives. But it is also to communicate better…with them, and how we do that is by meeting them half-way. Then the magic occurs…we find we are better communicators overall, with everyone in our lives, 2-legged as well as 4-legged. Edward has hit the nail on the head.
And, we can apply that across the board. Be the leader for your dog…be the leader for your own life…relish the ability and opportunity to take charge. Build your team for scootering, sledding, urban mushing, skijoiring…build and nourish ALL the teams in your life…in your work, family, community of faith, or civic purpose. Communicate with your dog like both your lives depended on it…they do…and apply those skills and principles in all your communications and roles. Unsure how to overcome adversity or rise to a challenge? Look to your dog…they’ll tell you exactly what they need, and what you can provide or do.
Thanks Edward! What do you think…more to add?
I grew up with dogs and found out early in life that there was a special bond. For a period in life through carrer and family I lived without dogs and i got really sick. Got problems with my metabolisem and felt really sick, depressed, gained weight and basically everything was wrong. Then I decided to get a new dog. I slowly, but shurely I got better. Now I skikjør, ride bike with my 4 year old pointer topsy and she is of course a good hunter too (grouse). And I really would like to try mushing also. What can I say dogs can be lifesavers! And dogs make GOOD people!